Iraq Takes Over U.S. Embassy Support Center in Baghdad

Iraq signed an agreement on September 24 to take over the U.S. embassy's diplomatic support center located at Baghdad International Airport. Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammed Hussein Bahr Al-Uloom and U.S. charge d'affaires Steven Fagin signed the handover, which serves as a step toward removing foreign military presence in the country.

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi established a September 30 deadline to end the U.S.-led international coalition. He stated that October 1 will mark a new era of full national sovereignty for Iraq. The facility being handed over had previously been a target of rocket and drone attacks following February strikes involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

Deputy Foreign Minister Bahr Al-Uloom indicated that this transition shifts bilateral relations away from military cooperation and toward partnerships in development, energy, and economic sectors.